Mulberry Preschool

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 28/11/2003 Inspector Name Anne Munro

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name Mulberry Preschool Setting Address Mulberry Road Marchwood Southampton Hampshire SO40 4WB

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of MULBERRY PRE-SCHOOL COMMITTEE

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name MULBERRY PRE-SCHOOL COMMITTEE Address u/a (AS PREVIOUS) u/a

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

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Information about the setting

Mulberry Preschool opened in 1991. It operates in a self-contained building on the edge of the Army camp in Marchwood. Children attending come from the village of Marchwood as well as from the Army quarters. There are currently 45 children on roll. This includes 30 funded 3-year-olds and 8 funded 4-year-olds. The preschool supports a number of children with special educational needs and with English as a second language. The group opens five days a week in term-time. Sessions are from 09:15 to 11:45 and from 12:30 to 15:00. Children attend for a variety of sessions. There are ten part-time staff working with the children. Five staff members have relevant early years qualifications and two are working towards qualification. The preschool receives support from a teacher from the Hampshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP).

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How good is the Day Care?

Mulberry Preschool provides good care for children in welcoming, child-friendly premises. The experienced staff and supportive committee work well together to provide children with a well-resourced learning environment. There is an excellent range of toys and equipment, including resources showing positive images of culture and disability. Equipment is well-maintained and easily accessible to children. Clear policies and procedures underpin the running of the preschool and are shared with parents. Staff have very good understanding of safety requirements and have precautions in place to safeguard children. Regular risk assessments are carried out and any concerns dealt with quickly. Trained first aiders are always present and procedures are in place to handle injury or illness. The preschool gives careful attention to good hygiene practice. Staff encourage healthy eating and have experience in catering for

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How good is the Day Care?

allergies and special diets. The preschool effectively monitors the progress of individual children and plans activities that promote their learning. Staff have excellent knowledge of the needs and capabilities of the children in their care and are very experienced in supporting children with special needs. They use praise and encouragement to reinforce good

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How good is the Day Care?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 behaviour and self-esteem, and agree strategies with parents to address any unwanted behaviour. Good working relationships are developed between parents and staff. Parents receive good information about the group and about their children, and are encouraged to share in their children's learning. They are made welcome in the preschool and join in fundraising and social events. The preschool keeps accurate records and most information is stored confidentially,although the registration system does not record times of attendance.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

This does not apply as the last inspection was a transitional inspection.

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What is being done well?

• An active management committee employs a well-qualified and experienced staff, and encourages them to update their skills and knowledge with ongoing training. A strong management structure ensures that all are aware of their roles and responsibilities. • An effective keyworker system ensures that staff have excellent knowledge of individual children and their progress. Staff use comprehensive plans and records of achievement to address individual needs. • The preschool staff provide a bright, warm and welcoming environment where children are comfortable and relaxed and move freely between activities. Premises are well-maintained and there is an ongoing programme of development. Accessible storage units allow children to choose activities and resources, developing independence and confidence. • Staff give very good support to children with special educational needs. They liaise with parents and other professionals to devise individual learning plans

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What is being done well?

for children, ensuring consistency of approach in promoting children's development. Staff adapt activities where necessary to ensure that all children are included. Staff have good understanding of the Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs, and maintain accurate documentation.

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What needs to be improved?

• the register to include times of attendance • the secure storage of information about children.

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Outcome of the inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 review registration system to record times of attendance. 14 ensure that information about children is stored securely.

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by the time of the next inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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